Buying property in Portugal - apply for NIF online from Ireland?

Enter Username Here · 20-05-2026 11:24AM #1

So I have been looking with one eye for a long time now, and have decided to start getting things moving from here. Due to hospital appointments and other things, I am finding it a little bit difficult to get time to head over to there to get a NIF/TIN in a short time.

I am hoping somebody could point me in the right direction to apply for one online if it is still possible. I have read here that it was possible during COVID, but I am unsure if that option still exists. A lot of the Portuguese government websites seem to have moved or are out of date. The Embassy in Ireland website will not load for me, and the other links that I have found, have brought me full circle. This website (I thought was the newer) also gives me a 403 page.

I have tried ringing the embassy and to get through to the consular section, after a few button pushes, but then it beeps a few times and seems to hang up. I know that the offices are only open until 1pm, so I try before then.

Is it possible to apply for a NIF online from Ireland, and what information would i need when applying?

TIA for any help or advice.

@Mods - I thought this was the best place to ask after seeing this thread. If not please move it, thanks.

Xterminator · 20-05-2026 03:13PM

https://notaryonline.pt/nif-services

hope that helpsl

What documents are required for NIF application?

✔ Passport or national ID

✔ Proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, etc.)

✔ Fiscal representative details (if applicable)

Enter Username Here · 20-05-2026 05:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124485211#Comment_124485211

Thanks, it does, a lot 😊
I have come across websites that 'sell' Portuguese NIFs online and saw the warnings. Will look into that one, but already at a glance through it, it seems legit.

I eventually got through to the consulate this morning, but the man (young man at a guess) that I got through to was not any help at all. When I asked about anything he told me that he didn't know.

EDIT….

Hmmm… Maybe not so good.. They only accept crypto or Bank transfer, and seem to pressure to pay quickly.

Also, not great reviews on trustpilot.

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/notaryonline.pt

Enter Username Here · 20-05-2026 09:10PM

I found one that I think I will use.

https://bordr.com/portugal/nif

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bordr.com

Reviews seem good - over 2000 and 97% 5 stars at time of writing.

Enter Username Here · 20-05-2026 10:23PM

I decided not to go with Bordr. They seem very American, and I don't like that. I always feel like there is something I am missing, and could end up paying more than I intended further down the line. They also charge in US$.

Another that I found is anchorless, I am looking into them now too, they have over 1300 reviews on trustpilot - 92% positive.

Quindsin · 26-05-2026 02:38PM

You can be better off reaching out directly to an English speaking local solicitor in Portugal. Depending on where you intend to end up, look for an advogado in that area. Just go on Google maps.

Enter Username Here · 27-05-2026 09:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124500996#Comment_124500996

Thanks, I will have a look at that.

Marcusm · 28-05-2026 03:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124504896#Comment_124504896

Have you proceeded to buy a property? The lawyer will

Likely have th name of a fiscal agent who can do it for you. That’s what we did although we have also done the direct route with another family member (needing a NOF to open a bank account). Another family member used bordr u less I’m mistaken (as you can see, lots of family members needed NIFs). It’s a very formalistic society (although not quite as bad as Spain when it comes to registrations and stuff).

Enter Username Here · 29-05-2026 02:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124506551#Comment_124506551

No, I haven't started anything yet, I am looking into what is required etc. I am looking at a few properties but I think pointless at this moment as I don't know how fast the market moves over there. Anything that I am looking at now could be snapped up before I have whatever is required.

Bordr (after a look into it) seem to be an Asian/American couple who have relatively recently availed of the golden ticket scheme that Portugal were running, and their target is the US? I could be wrong about that, but they are far more expensive (double the price of the nearest competitor) and they seem to lock you into their power of attorney, I have read at least two threads online of people ending up owing them hundreds without realising.

It seems that the easiest method, and least hassle is to go there and get it in the morning time.

The prices for the services could easily match the return flights from here at a different time of the year. Currently €155 (as of last night) return between the 9th - 13th of June, so I was aiming for that between appointments if I can.

The lawyer will likely have the name of a fiscal agent who can do it for you. That’s what we did

Funnily enough I was just reading about them yesterday here

Is there anything that you wished you had known before you bought, or anything that you may consider a definite plus for starting? (any tips)

Any recommendations for a lawyer over there?

Marcusm · 29-05-2026 08:29PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124508833#Comment_124508833

What region are you looking at and what type of property? If it’s not the sort of property locals are interested in then they can stay on the market for a long time.

Marcusm · 29-05-2026 08:29PM

if it’s a holiday property currently the. You will not get much opportunity to view during the summer if it’s let regularly.

Enter Username Here · 29-05-2026 09:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124509767#Comment_124509767

No, it's a little more inland (not a holiday property/tourist area. I was told to look at Braga for investment too (but haven't looked there yet). Between Lisbon and Porto mainly, but nowhere specific yet.

I am semi raging that I didn't act all those 12 years ago, when I see what the big properties were going for down in the Algarve, you wouldn't get a shed for that now.

One place I looked at, needed a fair bit of work, was near the Douro, up in the hills and on the start of a hiking trail. Probably need a lot more work than I thought, but cheap as chips (were in the '90s). Lovely area, but fairly remote. I don't think it would suit me, but I keep going back to it. Head vs heart.. 🙂

Buying property in Portugal - apply for NIF online from Ireland?

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